DIzzy Removal - V8

[KJR]

Need to remove the dizzy to prime the oil pump. How do you do this and is there anything I should be aware of when doing it.

Background.

Had the car out recently and the power steering started to play up, decided to head home (approx 14 miles). Started to hear a noise from the engine bay, assumed it was the power steering, no oil pressure warning light but did not check oil pressure gauge.

Once home checked the power steering and the fluid is shot. Also checked engine oil level oh sh!t below minimum so the noise was not the power steering but the engine.

Have filled up the oil but probably need to prime the oil pump before I see if I have done major damage !

[GV]

I'm just trying to figure out why you would need to take the dizzy out to prime the oil pump? I know the cam gear at the end of the dizzy takes it oil from one of the oil channels. Might be better off though checking out an SD1 manual for some more clues unless someone on here has the answer.

With regard the steering, check the belt tension and make sure there are no leaks in case you are losing fluid from the resevoir.

[GreenV8S]

If it had oil pressure when you stopped, there's no reason to suppose you will need to prime the pump. Switch on, but before you try to start it make sure the low oil pressure warning light does actually work. Then just fire it up. If the oil pressure doesn't come up within a couple of seconds, pick the revs up to 2000 rpm and hold that for 5 seconds or so. If you still have no oil pressure, switch off and look into priming the pump.

[adam quantrill]

Agree. Even if the oil is only on the very tip of the dipstick (I saw this on my first wedge when I went to buy it!) the pump should be well primed.

If you have tappet noise due to low oil it will clear up after 10 minutes running.

If you really have to prime the pump, easiest way is to squirt engine oil down the central hole of the remote oil filter thingy. This avoids disturbing the dizzy.

[KJR]

Peter, Adam,

thanks for the info. I am on holiday for the next week and will get back to you once I have sourced a replacement hose for the back of the power steering pump.

Needed to remove the very old hose to drain power steering fluid which was like black water when it came out.

KJR

[KJR]

Just an update:

- topped up the engine oil
- fitted a new rubber hose to the power steering
- topped up the power steering fluid.

Started the car and kept the revs at 1500 for approx 30 seconds, a bit rattly to start with but oil pressure gauge now showing 25psi at idle. Also oil pressure warning light is not working.

Thanks for the help Peter and Adam.

Now just need to sort out the leak from the ecu coolant temp sensor, oh and the crack in the top of the passenger side outrigger

KJR.

[GreenV8S]

Suggest you fix the warning light as a priority, it could save your engine.